Restaurant: Santorini Cafe
Location: 11800 N. Lamar Blvd., #1, Austin, TX 78758
Phone: 512-833-6000
Price: $
Hours: M-Th – 11am to 10pm
Fri-Sat – 11am to 12am
Sunday 11am to 12 am
Happy hour is daily from 5pm to 8pm
Food (9/10)
(9/10) Hummus and Pit
Fresh, homemade pita and the hummus is very good. Quality oil was used and made with love.
(10/10) Lamb Gyro
Served in fresh pita bread wrapped with tzatziki, lettuce, onions and fresh tomatoes. Mmmm.
The best I have had in ATX. And the thing is HUGE. Enough to feed me three times, I kid you not. Usually, gyro meat gives me indigestion. (Arrgh). Not so with this gyro. I loved the seasoning on the meat. It was cooked to perfection~tender, juicy and succulent. I kept eating it long after being full because it was just so delish!
(9/10) Pasticcio
Macaroni, beef with bechamel. Served with salad and fries. This was giant. It was very good. It was my first time to have this authentic dish. I will order it again.
Service (8/10)
I went a couple of times when they first opened and they were trying to get the ordering system down. Since going back the service did improve.
Ambiance (7/10)
Located in the funky north Austin center where Ross’ Old Time Cafe is. The building has been a couple of different restaurants in the last 10 years. As a result, the decor is a bit eclectic. They had a beached boat lit up with blue lighting in the front of the place but, City of Austin made them remove it. Really? I miss it.
The owner is Greek and so is the cook, Orestis Stavrole – charming, accommodating, engaging, and just an all-around nice person.
There are 7 reasonably priced lunch specials, and tea is included with your lunch. Lunch dishes are served with a small salad, fries, tzatziki, and pita. You just can’t go wrong and the portions are generous.
They have 25 red wines from Italy, Greece and California. Very nice selection for such a small place. 14 different beer and sodas too.
Other menu items include Pork chops, pork ribs, pork kabobs, and specialty pizzas, too. I like taking people to this little neighborhood hangout. Great food, good company, and easy access.
Some Background on the Food in this Review
Hummus and Pita: Hummus, a staple in Mediterranean cuisine, is a creamy spread made from ground chickpeas, sesame seed paste (tahini), lemon juice, and garlic. The quality of the oil used is crucial, as it can elevate the hummus from simply tasty to truly exceptional. The restaurant pairs this with homemade pita, a soft, round bread that serves as the perfect scoop for the hummus. It’s a testament to the attention to detail and the emphasis on fresh, homemade components.
Lamb Gyro: The gyro is a beloved Greek fast-food dish, usually served wrapped in a pita with various fillings. Here, the lamb gyro, seasoned to perfection and cooked until tender and juicy, is paired with tzatziki, lettuce, onions, and fresh tomatoes. Tzatziki, a tangy yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill, complements the savory lamb, adding a refreshing contrast that makes the gyro even more enjoyable. Its substantial size underscores the value and hearty nature of the dish.
Pasticcio: Often considered the Greek version of lasagna, pasticcio is a layered baked pasta dish. It typically includes a layer of tubular pasta, a meat filling flavored with tomato and cinnamon, and a luxurious béchamel sauce topping. Served with a side salad and fries, the dish offers a delightful exploration of Greek cuisine’s comforting and hearty aspects. It’s an excellent introduction to less well-known Greek dishes and illustrates the depth and variety of the cuisine.
Reviewed by Linda for Austinfoodratings.com